HAPEVILLE, GA (WXIA) — A restaurant owner’s sign is garnering a lot of attention in Hapeville, Georgia.

The sign, posted at The Castle Restaurant, reads “These citizens don’t want black people in Hapeville!” and then goes on to list 12 names, including the city’s mayor and several city council members.

The restaurant’s owner, Joshua Patton, claims that for the last year, the city has denied his business a liquor permit because most of his clients are black.

Hapeville City Manager William Whitson issued a statement Thursday saying:

The City of Hapeville is currently in litigation with the owner of the Castle (Mr. Patton) over a disputed administrative matter. It is very unfortunate that Mr. Patton has chosen to exercise his right of free speech in such an offensive manner to so many. However, we yield to his right to do so under the law and City has no further comment at this time.”

The city says it does not have plans to force Patton to take the sign down, citing freedom of speech.What others are clicking on: